Flight QF2 from London was also carrying some precious cargo for a Camden couple, Andrew and Heather White.

Mrs White's daughter, son-in-law and three young grandchildren burst through the arrivals gate at 7.35am for their first Australian Christmas together.

''We didn't tell the kids where they were going until they got to Heathrow Airport,'' Mr White said. ''They've never been to Australia so they've been going nuts. There's been a great build-up and a lot of excitement.''

The family had plans for a grand Christmas lunch - ''goose, turkey, the lot,'' Mr White said - and a tour around the city to take in kangaroos, koalas, caves and beaches.

To be together for Christmas was ''priceless'', said Mrs White's daughter, Virginia Tarbotton.